Conqueror’s Desire

MC and Nami walked through the narrowing cave passage. The air here was colder than before, and the sound of dripping water echoed off the rough stone walls.

MC still felt exhausted from the previous battle, but he forced himself to keep moving. He couldn't afford to stop.

"It should be close," Nami murmured softly.

"You said that ten minutes ago," MC replied in a low voice.

Nami only gave him a mysterious smile. MC was starting to realize that he couldn't read this woman at all.

But before he could ask further, a strange sound echoed behind them.

Tap… Tap… Tap…

Faint footsteps—soft but distinct in the silence of the cave.

MC immediately stopped walking. His instincts tensed.

"We're not alone," he whispered to Nami.

Nami frowned. "I know."

Tap… Tap… Tap…

The steps grew closer. MC glanced over his shoulder, but all he saw was darkness.

What is this? Something stalking them?

MC gripped the hilt of his sword. He wouldn't let his guard down again.

Then suddenly… something shot out of the darkness.

MC barely had time to react as a black blur moved at incredible speed toward him. With quick reflexes, he dodged to the side, but the creature immediately changed course—heading straight for Nami!

"Nami! Watch out!"

Nami pulled out her dagger and blocked the attack, but the force sent her stumbling backward.

MC finally got a good look at what had attacked them.

A humanoid figure—thin, with glowing red eyes and claws as sharp as blades.

The creature hissed, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. Then, without warning, it lunged again with terrifying speed!

MC raised his sword to block, but his body was still weak from the previous fight. The creature's attack slammed into him, throwing him against the cave wall.

"Ugh!" MC felt warm blood trickling from a wound on his shoulder.

The creature turned its attention back to Nami.

I can't let this happen.

With the last of his strength, MC gripped his sword and dashed forward.

Just as the creature leaped toward Nami, MC jumped first, swinging his sword straight at its neck!

CRACK!

The creature shrieked in pain. MC's blade had cut deep into its throat, but it wasn't enough to kill it.

The creature struggled, trying to break free, but MC held on, pushing his sword deeper.

"DIE ALREADY!"

With one final thrust, MC drove his sword to the hilt.

The creature convulsed violently before collapsing to the ground—motionless.

MC panted heavily, watching as the creature's body slowly withered into stone-like remains.

He had won.

But before he could even catch his breath…

The ground beneath him suddenly collapsed!

"WHAT?!"

MC and Nami had no time to react as the cave floor gave way, sending them plummeting downward!

They crashed into a deep pool of warm water, the impact knocking the air from MC's lungs.

"GUH!" MC gasped, swimming to the surface.

He turned to see Nami emerging as well, her body soaked, her clothes clinging tightly to her skin under the dim light.

MC immediately choked. "Damn, I wasn't ready for this."

Nami flipped her wet hair back and shot him a sharp glare. "I'll kill you if you stare too long."

MC quickly averted his gaze. "I didn't see anything! I swear!"

But before Nami could reply, something stirred beneath the water.

MC tensed. "Something's here!"

Nami also felt the vibrations in the water. They weren't out of danger yet.

Suddenly… something grabbed MC's ankle and yanked him downward!

MC kicked desperately, but the grip was too strong.

Nami reached out to pull him back, but she lost her balance and fell—landing right against MC's chest.

THEIR LIPS ALMOST TOUCHED.

For a brief moment, time seemed to stop.

MC could feel Nami's warm breath, their bodies nearly pressed together.

"H-Hey…" MC stammered.

Nami's face turned red, but before she could react…

SOMETHING DRAGGED MC UNDERWATER!

"REX!!"